A New Era for Women’s Rights: EU Parliament’s Stand on Abortion as Fundamental Rights

In a decisive move towards safeguarding sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), the European Parliament has voted in favor of including the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. With 336 votes in favor, 163 against, and 39 abstentions, MEPs are pushing for a monumental change that reflects the evolving societal and healthcare needs of EU citizens.

The resolution, adopted on Thursday, emphasizes the fundamental nature of abortion rights. MEPs stress that “everyone has the right to bodily autonomy, to free, informed, full and universal access to SRHR, and to all related healthcare services without discrimination, including access to safe and legal abortion.” This call for action underscores the urgency to prioritize SRHR as a core human right, ensuring that individuals can make autonomous decisions about their bodies.

One of the key concerns highlighted by MEPs is the backsliding on women’s rights across the globe, including within EU member states. The resolution condemns attempts to restrict or remove existing protections for SRHR and gender equality. With some member states imposing restrictive laws and medical practitioners denying abortion based on ‘conscience’ clauses, the resolution urges the full decriminalization of abortion in line with the 2022 WHO guidelines. Specifically, Poland and Malta have been called upon to repeal laws that severely limit women’s access to abortion.

Education plays a pivotal role in ensuring comprehensive SRHR. MEPs advocate for abortion methods and procedures to be integrated into the curriculum for doctors and medical students. Furthermore, they emphasise the importance of providing age-appropriate sexuality and relationship education to all. Accessible, safe, and free contraceptive methods and family planning counseling should also be readily available to ensure comprehensive SRHR services.

Financial and social barriers disproportionately affect women in poverty, limiting their access to abortion services. MEPs stress the need for member states to remove these barriers, ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind in the pursuit of SRHR equality.

Another significant concern raised by MEPs is the surge in funding for anti-gender and anti-choice groups. They called on the European Commission to ensure that organisations working against gender equality and women’s rights do not receive EU funding. Instead, there is a pressing need for member states to increase spending on healthcare and family planning services, reinforcing their commitment to SRHR.

The inclusion of abortion rights in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is a contentious issue, requiring unanimous agreement from all 27 member states. Despite the European Parliament’s approval, the path ahead is challenging. However, with France recently enshrining the right to abortion in its constitution, the momentum for change is growing.

The proposal to amend the Charter has been on the table since 2022 but gained renewed attention following France’s progressive steps. Danish MEP Karen Melchior aptly captured the essence of the initiative, stating, “Deciding about one’s own body is a fundamental right; there is no equality if women cannot do so.”

The European Parliament’s call for the inclusion of abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights marks a significant step towards recognising SRHR as a core human right. As the discussion continues, it is essential for member states to prioritise the health and rights of their citizens, ensuring universal access to safe and legal abortion and comprehensive SRHR services.

Source: European Parliament and EU News
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